Moka Pot Express: The Art of Brewing

Moka Pot Express: The Art of Brewing

Bialetti's Caffeinated Masterpiece 

Standard 1 cup- 24.99 Five Varying Sizes

Dubbed as the poor man’s espresso machine, the Moka Pot is an Italian-originated stovetop espresso machine that has transcended its European roots and risen to popularity in the states as of late. Originally invented in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti, the Moka Pot Express is designed with a geometric structure and is traditionally made with aluminum.  This form of coffee brewing has been commonly used in European or Latin American countries and is known for it’s iconic industrial design and lasting functionality.

 Design

The uniqueness of the Moka Pot lies within the simple brewing mechanism within the pot. The boiler is filled with water and the funnel shaped metal filter is inserted. Ground coffee is then added to the filter and the top portion is screwed onto the bottom base. Then, one simply places the pot onto a heat source (most commonly a stovetop) and the water is brought to a boil. The water and steam then boils up through the funnel into the upper chamber, creating your brewed coffee with ease.

Maintenance 

One quality of the Moka Pot Express that coffee lovers enjoy most is it’s lasting usability. Being made with stainless steel or aluminum, the Moka pot has the ability, if well maintained to last many years. Many people enjoy refurbishing antique Moka pots that perhaps have poorly maintained mechanisms that simply need replacing. Between uses however, there is simply a residue of coffee, which lines the interior of both the lower and upper chambers of the pot. Although there are some users who maintain that this residue is helpful, as it protects the coffee from being infiltrated with a metallic taste.

However, if not maintained or used for long periods of time, the pots gradually will hold an oily film of vegetable oil that will line the walls of the aluminum and contaminate the taste of the coffee for further use.  In order to avoid this result one must simply allow soapy water run though the funnel and soak the chambers so that the film will deteriorate. It is suggested that if you value coffee greatly, you will allow coffee of perhaps a “throw away” brand to run through and coat the walls of the chamber to protect the character of your brew.

Usability

There has been some discrepancy on whether the Moka Pot Express is actually as easy to use as is advertised, as it takes some time to master the art of espresso. Although, some coffee connoisseurs would argue that making coffee in general and of all varieties takes practice and developed skill to master.

The standard Bialetti Moka Pot allows for the most traditional brewing experience, however an alternative unit would be the Brikka. The Brikka is a newer variation of the Moka; a sleeker, more modernized version that contains an updated valve that allows the pot to act as a modified pressure cooker of sorts. This type of brewing creates a frothier surface to the final product adding more character to your drinking pleasure.

 Final Thoughts

The art behind using the stovetop design over an electric design is just that, art. While it is widely viewed that the electric pots produce a less appreciated brew, it also is valued for the authentic coffee experience that comes with brewing in this particular manner. The very organic and almost rudimentary design of the Moka Pot enables the brewer to have a genuine coffee experience that has maintained a consistent presence for over forty years.